ADHD TEA4202 Presentation

Mick McKinlay, Kylie Stokes, Chris Wilkes and Liam Hackwood.

What is ADHD?
ADHD

(Attention Deficit-Hyperactive Disorder) is a medical condition in which students have significant inability to attend, excessive motor-activity, and/or impulsivity (Friend and Bursuck, 2002, p.502).

What is ADHD?
Attention

Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is one of a number of behavioural and developmental disorders that affect young children. ( www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au, 2002)

Controversy of ADHD
There

has been plenty of controversy about what ADHD is, and it can be quite a confusing topic. As preservice teachers, and teachers of the future, this session is aimed to inform you all about ADHD, and how to cope with it effectively in your classroom.

An example of the Controversy

Queensland Times, 10/10/02

Background Information on ADHD

ADHD is a biological, hereditary condition. ADHD is found in 6 boys to every one girl. But modern research believes that this ratio could be as small as 3:1. People with ADHD are generally quite impulsive and hyperactive. A diagnosis of ADHD means that the symptoms have to be existent in two environments (eg. Work and home, school and home). ADHD is normally first diagnosed when the child enters school, not before hand.

What Causes ADHD?

ADHD is a disorder caused by the dysfunction of the frontal lobe in the brain, which inhibits control over behaviour. Symptoms of ADHD include, the inability to focus/concentrate, disruptive behaviours, under achievement. ADHD must not be seen as a condition whereby children act hyper, and jump around a lot. It is much more then that!

Diagnosing ADHD
There is no 100% reliable test for ADHD Children may show the characteristics of ADHD, but in actual fact are not being treated for it. Diagnosis is completed following the Diagnostic Statistical Manual No4 which is put out by the American Psychiatric Association. Children are assessed using criteria by which they must have 6 out of nine Behavioural and Attention Learning characteristics (Common sense is shown regarding the environment of the situation).

Diagnosing ADHD contd.

A

problem is only a problem when it causes a problem (Dr Christopher Green, 1998). Its not making the diagnosis that is most important, its what you do about it (Dr Christopher Green, 1998).

Coping with ADHD in the Classroom

Getting stuck into a child increases the problem of ADHD it doesnt relieve it. Acception is the key. Children with ADHD work on impulse so teachers need to have either prior knowledge on the specific child or strategies to work with the child. Routine is essential for ADHD patients. Control diet Administer required medication It is imperative to modify the classroom setting to allow the child with ADHD to better succeed

Strategies in the Classroom

Environmental Adjustments:

Instructions:

Seat the child closer to the teacher Provide structure with clear expectations Reduce distracting stimuli

Keep oral instructions brief and repeat if necessary Break up tasks and homework into small steps Provide written instructions for multistep processes

Strategies in the Classroom

Focus on Success:

Organisation:

Workload is set at their ability and attention Try and allow untimed tests Reinforce positive behaviours Reward any form or progress

Establish daily checklists Help the child use his/her homework notebook effectively

Strategies in the Classroom

Handwriting:

Impulses:

Limit written work Focus on content, not untidiness or errors Encourage computer use in older children Utilise extra help (eg teacher aide)

Remind the child to slow down when completing answers Emphasise double checking of work

Strategies in the Classroom

Self-Esteem:

Behaviour Program:

Encourage childs performance in areas of strength Provide feedback privately Do not ask a child to perform a task which is too difficult publicly

Target any unacceptable behaviour with consistent consequences Use hand signals Encourage visual aids and hands on experiences Be patient with child

Time for a Roleplay

Observe

yourself:
Have

the following roleplay and ask

I handled situations like this before? Would I do anything different to make the situation better for all involved? Could any of the situations be handled in a better way by the teacher? Will any of these modifications fit into my teaching style?

Resources..

http://www.athealth.com/Consumer/disorders http://www.health.gov.au/nhmrc/publications/adhd/app.htm http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au Including Students With Special Needs (Marilyn Friend & William D. Bursuck, 2002, Allyn and Bacon, Sydney.) Raising Boys (Steve Biddulph, 1997, Finch Publishing, Sydney.)

Resources..

Thank You.
Presented
Mick

by:

McKinlay Kylie Stokes Chris Wilkes Liam Hackwood